Holy Week Day 1: The Arrival of The King
Theme: “The King has come – Declaring the Kingdom”
Scripture Focus: Zechariah 9:9
Related Passage: Matthew 21:1-11, John 12:12-19
https://youtu.be/9i7T8C4S4HA?si=68vV-YldqJDX0QYL
Welcome to Palm Sunday, a glorious beginning to the most Holy Week in human history. This is the week that would climax in the fulfilment of the Lord Jesus’ divine purpose and mission. As it was written, “In the volume of the book it is written of Me—Lo, I have come to do Thy will.”
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly to the roar of a crowd waving palm branches and laying down their cloaks in adoration. By week’s end, He would exit the same city under vastly different circumstances— in disgrace, carrying a rugged cross, stripped of His garments, scorned and mocked, with stones and spit hurled His way, crucified between two criminals. Yet His face was set like flint, to fulfil what would be the most painful suffering and death known to man, not just physical torment, but a separation from His Father—something He had never experienced.
“Surely He bore our transgressions… and the chastisement for our peace was upon Him.” Every lash, every wound was a healing stripe for us. He rode into Jerusalem to save us—not merely from earthly trouble but from eternal death, that is, separation from God.
He rode to save us from eternal death ( separation from God) which had become the daily experience of man born after Adam’s fall from glory. Why? To make us Kings and Priests unto our God.
At the end of the week, He would rise triumphantly from death as He said, leading all people into Life and eternal Peace with God forever! Hallelujah
The Fulfilment of Prophecy – Zechariah 9:9
Palm Sunday is a fulfilment of prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 announcing Jesus as King to Israel to deliver them from spiritual bondage to sin:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.”
Let’s unpack the meaning of this ancient prophecy:
- Rejoice greatly: This call to joy signifies the arrival of good news. It is a call to celebrate the coming of a King who brings hope and restoration.
- Daughter of Zion / Daughter of Jerusalem: Refers to the people of Israel, particularly the faithful remnant eagerly awaiting the Messiah.
- Your King is coming to you: Unlike previous kings who ruled by oppression or warfare, this King comes as a servant to deliver and redeem.
- He is just and brings salvation: Jesus embodies righteousness and salvation, offering redemption to all who accept Him.
- Lowly and riding on a donkey:
- In ancient times, a donkey was a symbol of peace, not war. Kings rode horses in battle, but donkeys were used for peaceful processions.
- Some people have erroneously implied that Jesus riding on a donkey that no one had ridden justifies an extravagant or luxurious lifestyle. They say he would have driven perhaps a new Rolls-Royce today. This is far and opposite from the truth. Jesus exemplified a life of total humility and abandonment of the vanities that humans seek after.
- Jesus riding on a donkey demonstrated His humility and mission of peace rather than conquest. God’s Kingdom is spread through peace in men’s hearts and not through destruction and war.
- The donkey also symbolises accessibility—Jesus came to all people, especially the lowly and marginalized. He is the true King that takes care of every one citizen in His Kingdom. He loves every citizen irrespective of their demographics because we are all an expression of His image and glory.
- As Jesus rode on a donkey, the people spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road, shouting:
- “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9)
- The word Hosanna means “Save us now!” or “Deliver us!”—a cry for salvation and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.
Historical & Political Context of Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday was not just a joyful event—it was politically charged, happening in a tense Roman-occupied Jerusalem during Passover, a time of heightened nationalistic fervor.
1. Roman Rule & Jewish Oppression
- Judea was under Roman control, with Pontius Pilate as governor and Herod as a puppet king.
- Heavy taxation, military presence, and Jewish leaders (Sanhedrin) collaborating with Rome fueled resentment.
- Passover brought thousands of Jewish pilgrims, increasing the risk of uprisings—Rome stationed extra troops to prevent rebellion.
2. Jesus’ Entry—A Symbolic Act
- A Donkey, Not a War Horse – Unlike conquering kings, Jesus rode a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9 and symbolizing peace, not military revolt.
- Palm Branches = Jewish Nationalism – Used in past victories (like the Maccabees’ revolt), waving them signalled hope for political liberation from Rome.
- Shouting “Hosanna!” (“Save us now!”) – Many expected Jesus to lead a revolution against Rome, misunderstanding His mission.
3. Jewish & Roman Leaders’ Fears
- Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was a direct challenge to both religious and political systems.
- Pharisees & Sadducees Feared Losing Power – Jesus’ growing influence threatened their control. These religious leaders feared that Jesus’ growing popularity would:
- Instigate a rebellion, provoking a harsh Roman crackdown.
- Undermine their authority, as many began to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
- Threaten their position of power, particularly the Sadducees who controlled the temple economy.
- In John 11:48: The leaders said, “If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”
- Rome Saw a Potential Rebel – Calling Jesus “King of the Jews” was seen as treason against Caesar.
4. The Crowds’ Misunderstanding
- They wanted a warrior king, but Jesus came as the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53).
- By Friday, when He didn’t fight back, many turned against Him, shouting “Crucify Him!”
Palm Sunday was not just a celebration—it was a moment of political tension, misplaced expectations, and divine purpose.
5. The Symbolism of Palm Sunday
- Palm Branches:
- In Jewish tradition, palm branches symbolized victory, triumph, peace, and eternal life.
- They were often used in celebratory processions for military victors and during the Feast of Tabernacles.
- On Palm Sunday, the palm branches represented the people’s hope that Jesus would bring political deliverance from Roman oppression.
- Cloaks on the Road:
- Laying down cloaks was an act of submission and honor, acknowledging Jesus as King.
- Crowd’s Response:
- The people’s shout, “Hosanna!” was a public declaration of Jesus’ messianic identity, though many misunderstood the nature of His Kingdom.
The Nature of Christ’s Kingship
However, unlike earthly kings, Jesus’ kingship is characterized by:
- Righteousness and Justice: His mission was about establishing God’s Kingdom on earth—a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17).
- He came to establish a Kingdom where God’s laws and love reign supreme. He came to overthrow sin and not an earthly King.
- Salvation: His mission was not just to save Israel politically, but to save humanity spiritually.
- Humility and Peace: He rode on a donkey, signifying His role as the Prince of Peace, not a political revolutionary.
- Restoration of Sonship: Jesus did not come to establish an earthly throne but to restore humanity’s relationship with God, making them sons and daughters of the Kingdom and joint heirs to the Heavenly throne.
How Does This Apply Today?
- Accepting Jesus as King: Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem was an invitation for all to recognize His authority.
- The Kingdom Perspective: Understanding that Jesus came to establish God’s Kingdom on earth not a religion. A kingdom which involves righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Jesus was not a religious leader. The fact that he was killed by Jealous religious leaders is a warning not to exalt religion above true relationship with God.
- Walking in Sonship: As believers, we are restored to sonship and called to live as representatives of His Kingdom on earth. We are no longer slaves to sin, guilt, shame and fear but bold joint-heirs of the Kingdom.
- Peace vs. Power: Just as Jesus entered Jerusalem with peace, believers today are called to spread His message of peace and restoration.
As we begin the Holy Week, let us take some time out of our busy today to spend in quiet reflection on the meaning and purpose of Jesus’ birth, death, burial and resurrection. If you are yet to do so, start by accepting Jesus Christ today as your Lord and Saviour. Stay tuned to God and share your experience with us. Make this an Easter to remember!
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This discussion was modified 3 days, 5 hours ago by
Ukemeobong Michael.
- 3 Replies
Verified
Kingdom Pioneer Powerful narrative, interesting to see how politics and religion intertwined and played a role in Jesus crucifixion.
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Kingdom Pioneer
Awesome concept. Thank you for sharing this. It’s a loaded week indeed and I’m watching this space for more.
God bless you 🙏
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Trusted
Kingdom Pioneer
The Kingdom is the central thing at play here and highlighting that helps to bring back to the collective human consciousness the reality of the Kingdom of God.
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